(All figures are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated)
VANCOUVER,
March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - New
Gold Inc. ("New Gold") (TSX:NGD) (AMEX:NGD) today announces
financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and year
ended 2010, with the strongest results in the company's history.
The company bettered its 2010 guidance with gold production of
382,911 ounces and total cash cost(1) per ounce sold,
net of by-product sales, below the guidance range at $428 per ounce. Increasing production, coupled
with declining costs and continued strength in commodity prices
resulted in record earnings and cash flow. During 2010, earnings
from mine operations increased by 129% to $203 million, net earnings increased to
$135 million, or $0.35 per share, and cash flow from operations
increased by 131% to $182 million.
New Gold is also pleased to reiterate its guidance for 2011 with
forecast gold production expected to increase further to 380,000 to
400,000 ounces at total cash cost(1) per ounce sold, net
of by-product sales, of $430 to $450
per ounce.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010
Highlights
- Fourth quarter total cash cost(1) per ounce sold,
net of by-product sales, decreased to $354 per ounce from $472 per ounce in the same period in 2009,
representing the lowest cost quarter in the company's history
- Quarterly gold production increased by 11% to 124,445 from
111,672 in the same period in 2009
- Fourth quarter cash flow from operations increased by 62% to
$88 million from $54 million in the same period in 2009
- 2010 total cash cost(1) per ounce sold, net of
by-product sales, decreased by $37
per ounce to $428 per ounce from
$465 per ounce in 2009
- 2010 gold production increased by 27% to 382,911 ounces from
301,773 ounces in 2009
- 2010 cash flow from operations increased by 131% to
$182 million from $79 million in 2009
- New Afton 2010 underground development of 3,873 metres beat
target by 11%
- $491 million of cash at
December 31, 2010, increased by
$219 million since December 31, 2009
"2010 was a very successful year for our company
and we are proud of our results. We remain even more excited about
2011 and the coming years," stated Randall
Oliphant, Executive Chairman. "We look forward to building
on New Gold's strong foundation."
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010
Consolidated Financial Results
Consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter of
2010 was $189 million for a full year
total of $530 million, compared to
$132 million and $324 million in the same periods of 2009. The
significant revenue increase in both periods of 2010 was driven by
a combination of higher production as well as higher average
realized prices.
Earnings from mine operations for the fourth
quarter of 2010 were $84 million for
a full year total of $203 million,
compared to $40 million and
$89 million in the same periods of
2009. Earnings from mine operations increased by more than 100% in
both periods of 2010 as a result of higher gold production, lower
total cash cost(1) and higher average realized gold
prices.
Net earnings from continuing operations in the
fourth quarter and full year 2010 were $73
million, or $0.19 per share,
and $135 million, or $0.35 per share, respectively. This compares to
net losses of $2 million, or
$0.01 per share, and $183 million, or $0.60 per share, in the same periods of the prior
year. The 2009 full year net loss included a $192 million goodwill impairment charge.
Cash flow from operations for the fourth quarter
of 2010 was $88 million for a full
year total of $182 million, compared
to $54 million and $79 million in the same periods of 2009. The cash
flow was the highest in New Gold's history and was driven by the
company's strong operating performance and the continued strength
in commodity prices.
New Gold's cash balance at the end of 2010 was
$491 million, an increase of
$219 million over the 2009 year end
cash balance. New Gold had $230
million of debt outstanding at the end of 2010 comprised of
$179 million of 10% senior secured
notes due in 2017 (face value of C$187
million), $43 million of 5%
convertible debentures due in 2014 (face value of C$55 million and C$9.35 strike price) and $8 million in El Morro project funding loans.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Operations
Overview
All three of the company's operating mines,
Mesquite, Cerro San Pedro and Peak Mines, achieved excellent
results in the fourth quarter leading to a strong finish to the
year. Collectively, the gold production from the three operations
during the quarter was 124,445 ounces at total cash
cost(1) per ounce sold, net of by-product sales, of
$354 per ounce driving the company to
the best annual operating results in its history with 2010 gold
production increasing by 27% to 382,911 ounces and total cash
cost(1) per ounce sold, net of by-product sales,
decreasing by $37 per ounce to
$428 per ounce. Both gold production
and total cash cost(1) beat the company's 2010 guidance
range. With the strong operating results driving record cash flow,
New Gold is well positioned as New Afton, the company's most
immediate development project, continues to move forward on budget
and on schedule with production anticipated in mid-2012.
"The 2010 operating results further demonstrate
the strong platform that our three operations provide and are
reflective of the tremendous dedication of our operating teams,"
stated Robert Gallagher, President
and Chief Executive Officer. "We are very focused on continuing to
deliver operationally, particularly on bringing New Afton into
commercial production on time and on budget."
Full year 2009 figures presented below include
gold production, sales and total cash cost(1) per ounce
sold after the completion of the acquisition of Western Goldfields
Inc. and the Mesquite Mine on June 1,
2009.
|
|
Three months ended
December 31, |
|
Twelve months ended
December 31, |
|
|
2010 |
2009 |
|
2010 |
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mesquite Gold (ounces) |
|
55,990 |
61,245 |
|
169,023 |
99,298 |
Cerro San Pedro |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold (ounces) |
|
38,874 |
25,781 |
|
118,708 |
95,502 |
Silver (ounces) |
|
700,988 |
312,848 |
|
2,188,235 |
1,496,958 |
Peak Mines |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold (ounces) |
|
29,581 |
24,646 |
|
95,180 |
93,247 |
Copper (million pounds) |
|
4.2 |
3.9 |
|
15.3 |
15.6 |
Amapari Gold (ounces) |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
13,726 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold (ounces) |
|
124,445 |
111,672 |
|
382,911 |
301,773 |
Silver (ounces) |
|
700,988 |
312,848 |
|
2,188,235 |
1,496,958 |
Copper (million pounds) |
|
4.2 |
3.9 |
|
15.3 |
15.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold sales (ounces) |
|
116,964 |
106,475 |
|
369,077 |
292,407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash cost(1) ($ per
ounce) |
|
$354 |
$472 |
|
$428 |
$465 |
Full year 2009 figures below include gold
production, sales and total cash cost(1) per ounce for
the period prior to the completion of the acquisition of Western
Goldfields Inc. and the Mesquite Mine on June 1, 2009.
Mesquite Mine Doubles Earnings Contribution
in 2010
Gold sales in the fourth quarter at Mesquite
were 50,393 ounces at a total cash cost(1) per ounce
sold of $544 compared to 55,861
ounces sold at $551 per ounce sold in
the fourth quarter of 2009. The combination of lower costs, higher
average realized gold prices and strong gold sales resulted in a
48% increase in earnings from mine operations to $27 million from $18
million in the same period of the prior year. The average
realized gold price in the fourth quarter of 2010 was $1,234 per ounce compared to $1,041 per ounce in the same period of the prior
year.
Gold production and sales during the fourth
quarter of 2010 were lower than the prior year quarter due to lower
tonnes being placed on the leach pad which was partially offset by
higher gold grades and recoveries. The total cash
cost(1) decrease was primarily attributable to the use
of a mining contractor and certain non-recurring maintenance costs
during the fourth quarter of 2009 which were not incurred during
the fourth quarter of 2010. These cost decreases were partially
offset by higher diesel consumption and price during the fourth
quarter when compared to the same period in 2009.
Full year 2010 gold sales increased by 18% to
169,571 ounces from 143,509 ounces in 2009, while total cash
cost(1) per ounce sold remained constant at $596 per ounce. The combination of increased gold
sales and higher average realized gold prices during 2010 resulted
in a 107% increase in earnings from mine operations to $62 million from $30
million during 2009. The average realized gold price in 2010
was $1,117 per ounce compared to
$955 per ounce in the same period of
the prior year.
The increase in 2010 gold production and sales
was primarily attributable to increases in gold grade and leach pad
recoveries reaching their steady state when compared to 2009 and
was partially offset by lower tonnes placed on the leach pad during
the year. Total cash cost(1) per ounce sold during 2010
remained consistent as the benefits of one-time 2009 costs related
to the use of a mining contractor that were not incurred in 2010
were offset by higher diesel consumption and price during 2010 when
compared to 2009.
Mesquite replaced the ounces mined in 2010 and
maintained its 3.1 million ounce reserve base while also adding
approximately 0.8 million ounces to the measured and indicated
resource category.
The Mesquite mine is forecast to produce 145,000
to 155,000 ounces of gold in 2011 at total cash cost(1)
per ounce sold of $620 to $640 per
ounce. Ore tonnes processed and recoveries are anticipated to
remain consistent with 2010 levels, however, the gold grade is
expected to move towards reserve grade resulting in gold production
reverting to an average life-of-mine level. The increase in
forecasted total cash cost(1) in 2011 when compared to
2010 is driven by higher total tonnes mined as well as the
assumption of a higher diesel price than that realized during 2010.
2011 capital expenditures at Mesquite are forecast to be
approximately $9 million, including
$6 million of maintenance and spare
parts which are expected to be capitalized under International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") which were historically
expensed.
Low Cost Cerro San Pedro Mine Contributes
$84 million to Earnings from Mine
Operations
Gold sales in the fourth quarter at Cerro San
Pedro increased by 58% to 38,666 ounces from 24,455 ounces in the
same period in 2009. The increased gold sales, together with a
significant reduction in total cash cost(1) per ounce of
gold sold, net of by-product sales, to $138 from $436 in
the fourth quarter of 2009 and higher realized gold prices,
resulted in Cerro San Pedro generating $37
million in earnings from mine operations in the fourth
quarter of 2010 compared to $10
million in the same period of the prior year. The average
realized gold price in the fourth quarter of 2010 was $1,373 per ounce compared to $1,079 per ounce in the same period of the prior
year.
Gold production and sales during the fourth
quarter of 2010 were higher than the prior year quarter due to gold
grades increasing toward reserve grade and higher ore tonnes
placed. The decrease in total cash cost(1) was a result
of higher by-product revenues driven by both higher silver
production and prices. This benefit was partially offset by higher
total tonnes moved, higher diesel prices and the appreciation of
the Mexican peso during the fourth quarter of 2010 when compared to
the same period in 2009.
Silver sales during the quarter were 0.7 million
ounces at an average realized silver price of $26.91 per ounce compared to 0.3 million ounces
at $17.36 per ounce in the same
period in 2009. The increase in silver sales volume was primarily
attributable to continued improvement in silver recoveries from the
leach pad and higher silver grades.
Full year 2010 gold sales increased by 23% to
114,713 ounces from 93,312 ounces sold in 2009, while, over the
same period, total cash cost(1) per ounce of gold sold,
net of by-product sales, decreased to $230 from $407. As
a result of higher gold sales, lower costs and higher realized gold
prices, Cerro San Pedro generated $84
million in earnings from mine operations in 2010 compared to
$28 million in 2009. The average
realized gold price in 2010 was $1,262 per ounce compared to $978 per ounce in the prior year.
The increase in 2010 gold production and sales
was attributable to an increase in gold grade when compared to 2009
and was partially offset by the mining of lower ore tonnes, as a
result of the delayed receipt of the explosives permit in early
2010. The decrease in total cash cost(1) was a result of
higher by-product revenues driven by both higher silver production
and prices. This benefit was partially offset by higher diesel
prices and the appreciation of the Mexican peso during 2010 when
compared to 2009.
Silver sales in 2010 were 2.2 million ounces at
an average realized silver price of $21.40 per ounce compared to 1.5 million ounces
at $14.48 per ounce in 2009. The
increase in silver sales volume was attributable to continued
improvement in silver recoveries from leaching and higher silver
grades.
Cerro San Pedro's gold reserves at the end of
2010 were 1.3 million ounces. Through the company's exploration
efforts during the year, the inferred manto sulphide resource
increased by approximately 36% and in 2011 the company will be
focused on further increases to this resource.
Cerro San Pedro is forecast to produce 135,000
to 145,000 ounces of gold and 1.9 to 2.1 million ounces of silver
in 2011, with the gold production increase attributable to a
forecasted increase in ore tonnes placed. Total cash
cost(1) per ounce sold, net of by-product sales, are
forecast to be $240 to $260 per
ounce, and assume a $23 per ounce
silver price and a foreign exchange ratio of $12.50 Mexican peso to U.S. dollar. 2011 capital
expenditures at Cerro San Pedro are forecast to be approximately
$12 million and will largely be
related to leach pad expansions.
Peak Mines' Resource Base of One Million
Ounces Highest since 2003
Gold sales in the fourth quarter at Peak Mines
were 27,905 ounces compared to 26,159 ounces sold in the fourth
quarter of 2009. Over the same period, total cash
cost(1) per ounce of gold sold, net of by-product sales,
decreased to $312 from $339, which, with higher realized gold prices,
resulted in Peak Mines generating $20
million in earnings from operations during the fourth
quarter of 2010 compared to $11
million in the same period of the prior year. The average
realized gold price in the fourth quarter of 2010 was $1,385 per ounce compared to $1,139 per ounce in the same period of the prior
year.
Gold production and sales during the fourth
quarter of 2010 were higher than the prior year quarter due to the
mine sequencing leading to higher gold grades. Total cash
cost(1) decreased as higher by-product revenues from
increased copper prices were only partially offset by the
appreciation of the Australian dollar and lower copper sales
volumes in the fourth quarter of 2010 when compared to the same
period in 2009.
Copper sales during the quarter were 4.7 million
pounds at an average realized copper price of $3.89 per pound compared to 4.8 million pounds at
$2.94 per pound in the same period in
2009. The decrease in copper sales was primarily attributable to
the timing of concentrate shipments.
Full year 2010 gold sales were 84,793 ounces
compared to 87,812 ounces sold in 2009, while, over the same
period, total cash cost(1) per ounce sold, net of
by-product sales, was $361 compared
to $334. As a result of the higher
realized gold prices, and despite slightly lower gold sales and
higher costs, Peak Mines generated $57
million in earnings from mine operations in 2010 compared to
$42 million in the prior year. The
average realized gold price in 2010 was $1,257 per ounce compared to $994 per ounce in 2009.
The increase in 2010 gold production was
attributable to an increase in gold grade and was partially offset
by lower ore tonnes processed. The decrease in gold sales was due
to timing of concentrate shipments. The increase in total cash
cost(1) was primarily attributable to the appreciation
of the Australian dollar. These cost increases were partially
offset by higher by-product revenues from both higher copper sales
volumes and prices.
Copper sales during 2010 were 14.1 million
pounds at an average realized copper price of $3.48 per pound compared to 13.9 million pounds
at $2.54 per pound in 2009.
Peak Mines ended the year with 1.0 million
ounces in the measured and indicated resource category, inclusive
of reserves. This is the highest resource base since the Peak Mines
were sold by Rio Tinto in 2003.
Peak Mines is forecast to produce 90,000 to
100,000 ounces of gold and 12 to 14 million pounds of copper in
2011. Total cash cost(1) per ounce sold, net of
by-product sales, are forecast to be $410 to
$430 per ounce, and assume a $3.75 per pound copper price and a foreign
exchange ratio of $1.05 Australian to
U.S. dollar. The anticipated change in total cash
cost(1) when compared to 2010 is driven by projected
lower copper sales and the assumption of a stronger Australian
dollar than that realized during 2010. 2011 capital expenditures at
Peak Mines are forecast to be approximately $45 million with approximately 50% of this total
to be spent on underground development and capitalized exploration
and the remainder on mill and equipment upgrades. The 2011 capital
should help position Peak for continued extensions of its mine life
after its successful 19 year operating history.
New Afton Advancing Steadily Towards
Production
New Gold's most immediate development project
continued on schedule during 2010 and is expected to commence
production in mid-2012. The project will be an underground mine and
concentrator which is expected to produce an annual average of
85,000 ounces of gold, and 75 million pounds of copper.
During the fourth quarter of 2010, the New Afton
underground development crews continued their advance, completing
1,394 metres of development, bringing the 2010 total development
advance to 3,873 metres beating the 2010 target by 11%. During the
quarter, a project milestone was achieved as the first development
ore was transported to the surface stockpile.
In 2011, project spending at New Afton is
forecast to be approximately $290
million, including $20 million
of capitalized interest. While underground development will
continue as the crews continue to develop the undercut and
extraction level below the ore body, the focus in 2011 will move to
surface construction with over 50% of the total spending allocated
to this area. Major targeted construction milestones for 2011
include:
- Completion and initialization of the underground conveyor
system to transport all ore and waste rock to surface
- Completion of ventilation connections and installation of
permanent ventilation fans
- Commencement of installation of mill equipment
- Installation of tailings pipeline
Associated with the continued successful
development progress being made at the project site, New Gold has
also signed three concentrate off-take agreements that, in
aggregate, cover 85% of the estimated concentrate production from
New Afton beginning in mid-2012. The three contracts are with a
major Swiss-based trading company and two large custom copper
smelting companies. Discussions related to the remaining 15% of New
Afton's concentrate production are advanced and it is anticipated
that a contract should be finalized in 2011.
The New Afton reserves at the end of 2010
included 1.1 million ounces of gold and 1.0 billion pounds of
copper.
The company looks forward to production
commencing in less than 17 months, as New Afton is expected to
contribute significantly to New Gold's current portfolio of
operating assets. The project remains fully-funded with the cash on
New Gold's Balance Sheet exceeding the remaining targeted project
capital costs. As a low-cost operation, New Afton should
meaningfully expand the company's operating margin and cash flow
generation. At current commodity prices, the mine is expected to
more than double the company's cash flow.
El Morro Continues to Grow
El Morro is an advanced stage gold/copper
project located in the Atacama Region, approximately 80 kilometres
east of the city of Vallenar, in north-central Chile. The El Morro project is a world-class
project with low expected cash costs and great organic growth
potential in one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
necessary for the project permitting to proceed has already been
submitted with approval anticipated in the coming months. On
receipt of the required permits, anticipated to be on a similar
timeframe, New Gold's 70% joint venture partner, Goldcorp Inc.
("Goldcorp"), intends to immediately commence construction of key
project infrastructure as well as further explore and delineate
this large deposit.
As disclosed on February
10, 2011, Goldcorp updated the reserves and resources for
the project as of December 31, 2010.
Highlights attributable to New Gold's 30% share of the project
include:
- 22% increase in Proven and Probable gold reserves to 2.5
million ounces
- 8% increase in Proven and Probable copper reserves to 1.8
billion pounds
- 1.2 million ounce and 0.5 billion pound increase in Inferred
gold and copper resources, respectively, reflecting increased
tonnes and higher gold and copper grades in the deeper portions of
the La Fortuna deposit as it
extends below the current reserve pit
New Gold is excited to have a highly motivated
partner in Goldcorp who are poised to begin drilling programs in
the coming months to further delineate the pit at El Morro and
expand on positive results from other targets on the property.
2011 Guidance
New Gold reiterates its 2011 guidance and
anticipates further gold production growth with total cash
cost(1) per ounce sold, net of by-product sales,
remaining well below the industry average.
|
Gold Production (ounces) |
|
Total Cash Cost(1) |
|
2010A |
2011F |
|
2010A |
2011F |
Mesquite |
169,023 |
145,000-155,000 |
|
$596 |
$620-$640 |
Cerro San Pedro |
118,708 |
135,000-145,000 |
|
$230 |
$240-$260 |
Peak Mines |
95,180 |
90,000-100,000 |
|
$361 |
$410-$430 |
Total production |
382,911 |
380,000-400,000 |
|
$428 |
$430-$450 |
Assumptions used in the 2011 guidance include
silver and copper prices of $23.00
per ounce and $3.75 per pound,
respectively, and Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and Mexican
peso exchange rates of $1.00,
$1.05 and $12.50 to the U.S. dollar, respectively. The oil
price is assumed to be $85 per
barrel.
Full Audited Financial Statements and related
Management Discussion and Analysis will be available on
SEDAR.
About New Gold Inc.
New Gold is an intermediate gold mining company.
The Mesquite Mine in the United
States, the Cerro San Pedro Mine in Mexico and Peak Gold Mines in Australia are expected to produce between
380,000 and 400,000 ounces of gold in 2011. The fully-funded New
Afton project in Canada is
scheduled to add further growth in 2012. In addition, New Gold owns
30% of the world-class El Morro project located in Chile. For further information on the company,
please visit www.newgold.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
Certain information contained in this news
release, including any information relating to New Gold's future
financial or operating performance may be deemed "forward looking".
All statements in this news release, other than statements of
historical fact, that address events or developments that New Gold
expects to occur, are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking
statements are statements that are not historical facts and are
generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "does
not expect", "plans", "anticipates", "does not anticipate",
"believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential",
"scheduled", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions, or that
events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or
"might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the
opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements
are made and are subject to important risk factors and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond New Gold's ability to
control or predict. Forward-looking statements are necessarily
based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
cause New Gold's actual results, level of activity, performance or
achievements to be materially different from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include,
without limitation: significant capital requirements; fluctuations
in the international currency markets and in the rates of exchange
of the currencies of Canada,
the United States, Australia, Mexico and Chile; price volatility in the spot and
forward markets for commodities; impact of any hedging activities,
including margin limits and margin calls; discrepancies between
actual and estimated production, between actual and estimated
reserves and resources and between actual and estimated
metallurgical recoveries; changes in national and local government
legislation in Canada,
the United States, Australia, Mexico and Chile or any other country in which New Gold
currently or may in the future carry on business; taxation;
controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the
countries in which New Gold does or may carry on business; the
speculative nature of mineral exploration and development,
including the risks of obtaining and maintaining the validity and
enforceability of the necessary licenses and permits and complying
with the permitting requirements of each jurisdiction that New Gold
operates, including, but not limited to, Mexico, where New Gold is involved with
ongoing challenges relating to its environmental impact statement
for the Cerro San Pedro Mine; the lack of certainty with respect to
the Mexican and other foreign legal systems, which may not be
immune from the influence of political pressure, corruption or
other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; the
uncertainties inherent to current and future legal challenges the
company is or may become a party to, including the third party
claim related to the El Morro transaction with respect to New
Gold's exercise of its right of first refusal on the El Morro
copper-gold project in Chile and
its partnership with Goldcorp Inc., which transaction and third
party claim were announced by New Gold in January 2010; diminishing quantities or grades of
reserves; competition; loss of key employees; additional funding
requirements; actual results of current exploration or reclamation
activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be
refined; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral
claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties.
In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the
business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including
environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected
formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion losses
(and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain
insurance to cover these risks) as well as "Risk Factors" included
in New Gold's latest annual information form, management's
discussion and analysis of financial condition ("MD&A") and
management information circular filed on and available at
www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance, and actual results and future events could
materially differ from those anticipated in such statements. All of
the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are
qualified by these cautionary statements. New Gold expressly
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable
securities laws.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers Concerning
Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral
Resources
Information concerning the properties and
operations of New Gold has been prepared in accordance with
Canadian standards under applicable Canadian securities laws, and
may not be comparable to similar information for United States companies. The terms "Mineral
Resource", "Measured Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral
Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" used in this press
release are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI
43-101 under guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of
Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Standards on Mineral
Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council on
December 11, 2005. While the terms
"Mineral Resource", "Measured Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral
Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" are recognized and
required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under
standards of the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission. Under United States standards, mineralization may
not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been
made that the mineralization could be economically and legally
produced or extracted at the time the reserve calculation is made.
As such, certain information contained in this press release
concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under
Canadian standards is not comparable to similar information made
public by United States companies
subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission. An "Inferred Mineral
Resource" has a great amount of uncertainty as to its existence and
as to its economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that
all or any part of an "Inferred Mineral Resource" will ever be
upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of
Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or
other economic studies. Readers are cautioned not to assume that
all or any part of Measured or Indicated Resources will ever be
converted into Mineral Reserves. Readers are also cautioned not to
assume that all or any part of an "Inferred Mineral Resource"
exists, or is economically or legally mineable. In addition, the
definitions of "Proven Mineral Reserves" and "Probable Mineral
Reserves" under CIM standards differ in certain respects from the
standards of the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.
(1) TOTAL CASH COST
"Total cash cost" per ounce figures are calculated in accordance
with a standard developed by The Gold Institute, which was a
worldwide association of suppliers of gold and gold products and
included leading North American gold producers. The Gold Institute
ceased operations in 2002, but the standard is widely accepted as
the standard of reporting cash cost of production in North America. Adoption of the standard is
voluntary and the cost measures presented may not be comparable to
other similarly titled measures of other companies. New Gold
reports total cash cost on a sales basis. Total cash cost includes
mine site operating costs such as mining, processing,
administration, royalties and production taxes, but is exclusive of
amortization, reclamation, capital and exploration costs. Total
cash cost is reduced by any by-product revenue and is then divided
by ounces sold to arrive at the total by-product cash cost of
sales. The measure, along with sales, is considered to be a key
indicator of a company's ability to generate operating earnings and
cash flow from its mining operations. This data is furnished to
provide additional information and is a non-GAAP measure. Total
cash cost presented do not have a standardized meaning prescribed
by GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by
other mining companies. It should not be considered in isolation as
a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance
with GAAP and is not necessarily indicative of operating costs
presented under GAAP. A reconciliation will be provided in
the MD&A accompanying the quarterly financial statements.
New Gold Inc.
Consolidated statements of operations
Three and twelve month periods ended December 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share
amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
December 31, |
|
Twelve months ended
Decemer 31, |
|
|
2010 |
2009 |
|
2010 |
2009 |
|
|
$ |
$ |
|
$ |
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
189,355 |
131,765 |
|
530,450 |
323,780 |
Operating expenses |
|
(80,790) |
(67,369) |
|
(250,338) |
(176,491) |
Depreciation and depletion |
|
(24,675) |
(24,714) |
|
(77,016) |
(58,668) |
Earnings from mine operations |
|
83,890 |
39,682 |
|
203,096 |
88,621 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate administration |
|
(8,933) |
(9,390) |
|
(32,622) |
(24,689) |
Business combination transaction costs |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
(6,583) |
Exploration |
|
(3,434) |
(1,317) |
|
(12,834) |
(6,412) |
Write-down of mining assets |
|
(15,728) |
- |
|
(15,728) |
- |
Goodwill impairment charge |
|
- |
(2,465) |
|
- |
(192,099) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations |
|
55,795 |
26,510 |
|
141,912 |
(141,162) |
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized and unrealized (loss)
gain on gold contracts |
|
- |
905 |
|
- |
8,161 |
Realized and unrealized gain on
fuel contracts |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
797 |
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments |
|
2,110 |
(14,636) |
|
9,128 |
351 |
Unrealized gain (loss) on
prepayment option |
|
(3,889) |
- |
|
7,679 |
- |
Interest and other income |
|
1,418 |
1,521 |
|
3,258 |
4,158 |
Gain on sale of investment |
|
39,710 |
- |
|
39,710 |
- |
Gain on redemption of long-term
debt |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
14,236 |
Interest and finance
fees |
|
(587) |
(667) |
|
(947) |
(1,435) |
Other expense |
|
(820) |
(252) |
|
(2,883) |
(967) |
Loss on foreign exchange |
|
(9,616) |
(11,181) |
|
(21,816) |
(52,667) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) before taxes |
|
84,121 |
2,200 |
|
176,041 |
(168,528) |
Income and mining taxes |
|
(11,242) |
(4,495) |
|
(41,110) |
(14,906) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) from continuing
operations |
|
72,879 |
(2,295) |
|
134,931 |
(183,434) |
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations |
|
- |
(5,355) |
|
42,023 |
(10,882) |
Net earnings (loss) |
|
72,879 |
(7,650) |
|
176,954 |
(194,316) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
0.19 |
(0.01) |
|
0.35 |
(0.60) |
Diluted |
|
0.18 |
(0.01) |
|
0.34 |
(0.60) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
- |
(0.01) |
|
0.11 |
(0.04) |
Diluted |
|
- |
(0.01) |
|
0.11 |
(0.04) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
0.19 |
(0.02) |
|
0.46 |
(0.64) |
Diluted |
|
0.18 |
(0.02) |
|
0.45 |
(0.64) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
392,952 |
388,512 |
|
390,883 |
306,288 |
Diluted |
|
398,828 |
388,512 |
|
395,233 |
306,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) Stock option
expense (a non-cash item included in corporate administration) |
|
1,772 |
1,775 |
|
8,151 |
6,621 |
New Gold Inc.
Consolidated balance sheets
as at December 31
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents |
|
|
|
490,754 |
|
262,325 |
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
- |
|
9,201 |
Accounts receivable |
|
|
|
11,929 |
|
10,345 |
Inventories |
|
|
|
106,325 |
|
86,299 |
Future income and mining
taxes |
|
|
|
9,127 |
|
8,848 |
Current portion of
mark-to-market gain on fuel contracts |
|
- |
|
706 |
Prepaid expenses and
other |
|
|
|
7,325 |
|
6,933 |
Current assets
of operations held for sale |
|
- |
|
10,298 |
Total current assets |
|
|
|
625,460 |
|
394,955 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
7,533 |
|
45,890 |
Mining interests |
|
|
|
2,073,695 |
|
2,000,438 |
Future income tax asset |
|
|
|
931 |
|
2,250 |
Reclamation deposits and other |
|
|
|
31,295 |
|
17,646 |
Assets of operations held for sale |
|
|
|
- |
|
27,080 |
Total assets |
|
|
|
2,738,914 |
|
2,488,259 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
66,654 |
|
36,033 |
Current portion of
long-term debt |
|
|
|
- |
|
12,088 |
Current portion of mark-to-market loss on
gold contracts |
|
40,072 |
|
19,206 |
Income and mining taxes
payable |
|
|
|
33,983 |
|
15,677 |
Current
liabilities of operations held for sale |
|
- |
|
10,414 |
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
140,709 |
|
93,418 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclamation and closure cost
obligations |
|
|
25,721 |
|
19,889 |
Mark-to-market loss on gold contracts |
|
|
|
113,303 |
|
76,780 |
Future income and mining taxes |
|
|
|
280,026 |
|
316,426 |
Long-term debt |
|
|
|
229,884 |
|
225,456 |
Deferred benefit |
|
|
|
46,276 |
|
- |
Employee benefits and other |
|
|
|
9,804 |
|
5,355 |
Liabilities of operations held for sale |
|
|
|
- |
|
19,890 |
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
845,723 |
|
757,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares |
|
|
|
1,846,712 |
|
1,810,865 |
Contributed surplus |
|
|
|
82,787 |
|
82,984 |
Share purchase warrants |
|
|
|
138,806 |
|
150,656 |
Equity component of convertible
debentures |
|
|
21,604 |
|
21,604 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
(67,813) |
|
(29,205) |
Deficit |
|
|
|
(128,905) |
|
(305,859) |
|
|
|
|
(196,718) |
|
(335,064) |
Total shareholders' equity |
|
|
|
1,893,191 |
|
1,731,045 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |
|
|
|
2,738,914 |
|
2,488,259 |
New Gold Inc.
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Three and twelve month periods ended December 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
months ended
December 31, |
|
Twelve
months ended
December 31, |
|
|
2010 |
2009 |
|
2010 |
2009 |
|
|
$ |
$ |
|
$ |
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) |
|
72,879 |
(7,650) |
|
176,954 |
(194,316) |
Loss (earnings) from discontinued operations |
|
- |
5,355 |
|
(42,023) |
10,882 |
Items not involving cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill impairment
charge |
|
- |
2,465 |
|
- |
192,099 |
Unrealized gain on gold
contracts |
|
(2,247) |
(3,051) |
|
(8,425) |
(12,389) |
Unrealized (gain) loss on
fuel contracts |
|
102 |
156 |
|
340 |
(523) |
Unrealized foreign
exchange loss |
|
9,616 |
9,696 |
|
21,816 |
46,057 |
Unrealized and realized
(gain) loss on investments |
|
(2,110) |
14,967 |
|
(9,128) |
351 |
Gain on sale of Beadell
shares |
|
(39,710) |
- |
|
(39,710) |
- |
Write-down of mining
assets |
|
15,728 |
- |
|
15,728 |
- |
Loss on disposal of
assets |
|
8 |
- |
|
1,054 |
- |
Depreciation and depletion |
|
23,951 |
25,266 |
|
76,307 |
59,473 |
Stock option expense |
|
1,772 |
1,775 |
|
8,151 |
6,621 |
Unrealized gain on prepayment
option |
|
3,889 |
- |
|
(7,679) |
- |
Future income and mining
taxes |
|
(12,713) |
(1,230) |
|
(17,197) |
(1,441) |
Gain on redemption of
long-term debt |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
(14,236) |
Other |
|
- |
(2,657) |
|
- |
- |
Change in non-cash working capital |
|
16,843 |
9,264 |
|
6,072 |
(13,597) |
Cash provided by continuing operations |
|
88,008 |
54,356 |
|
182,260 |
78,981 |
Cash provided by (used in) discontinued
operations |
|
- |
(406) |
|
(1,696) |
5,576 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining interests |
|
(61,185) |
(35,169) |
|
(149,165) |
(111,522) |
Purchase of short term
investment |
|
- |
5,996 |
|
- |
- |
Cash acquired in business
combination and asset acquisition |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
20,735 |
Reclamation deposits |
|
(1,545) |
(1,547) |
|
(1,590) |
(1,547) |
Receipt of accrued
interest on investments |
|
- |
(1,701) |
|
- |
3,015 |
Reduction of restricted
cash |
|
- |
- |
|
9,201 |
- |
Proceeds from disposal of
assets |
|
167 |
- |
|
439 |
- |
Cash received in El Morro
transaction, net of transaction costs |
|
- |
- |
|
46,276 |
- |
Investment in El
Morro |
|
- |
- |
|
(463,000) |
- |
Proceeds from sale of
Beadell shares |
|
58,364 |
- |
|
58,364 |
- |
Proceeds from settlement
of investments |
|
- |
23,351 |
|
48,112 |
36,636 |
Cash used in continuing operations |
|
(4,199) |
(9,070) |
|
(451,363) |
(52,683) |
Cash provided by (used in) discontinued
operations |
|
- |
649 |
|
34,410 |
(1,405) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares issued |
|
- |
3,033 |
|
- |
107,015 |
Repayment of short-term
borrowings |
|
- |
7,841 |
|
- |
- |
Exercise of options to
purchase common stock |
|
8,860 |
- |
|
15,649 |
- |
El Morro loan |
|
- |
- |
|
463,000 |
- |
Revolving credit facility
initiation costs |
|
(4,225) |
- |
|
(4,225) |
- |
Repayment of long-term
debt |
|
- |
(41,406) |
|
(27,235) |
(66,981) |
Cash provided by (used in) continuing
operations |
|
4,635 |
(30,532) |
|
447,189 |
40,034 |
Cash used in discontinued operations |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
(7,000) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents |
|
11,306 |
4,985 |
|
16,803 |
13,980 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
99,750 |
19,982 |
|
227,603 |
77,483 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period |
|
391,004 |
243,169 |
|
263,151 |
185,668 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period |
|
490,754 |
263,151 |
|
490,754 |
263,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprised of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
of continuing operations |
|
490,754 |
262,325 |
|
490,754 |
262,325 |
Cash and cash equivalents
of discontinued operations |
|
- |
826 |
|
- |
826 |
|
|
490,754 |
263,151 |
|
490,754 |
263,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
191,844 |
84,961 |
|
191,844 |
84,961 |
Short-term money market
instruments |
|
298,910 |
178,190 |
|
298,910 |
178,190 |
|
|
490,754 |
263,151 |
|
490,754 |
263,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SOURCE New Gold Inc.